Replacing a complete aerial (including cable)

[Geeman]

Good evening everyone

I'm sorry if this question has been asked previously, but I've joined this forum to try and find an answer. I've tried Googling the answer, but I've not found an answer anywhere, so hoped you experts might be able to help me.

I have recently obtained a 2002 Polo as my commute vehicle (my stepson gave it to me when my old Skoda failed its MOT). Mechanically, it's very good and I get some great mileage. However, with the exception of BBC radio 2, my car stereo (an after market double DIN unit from a company called ESSGOO) won't tune into any other radio stations.

I managed to get the unit out and found out the aerial wasn't plugged in. Eureka I naively thought, plugging it in will solve this issue. Unfortunately, it doesn't. I still only get Radio 2 and an autoscan doesn't find any stations. Neither does a manual scan, I find just static.

So, I'm not sure if it's the stereo unit or the aerial. My question to you guys, is there a guide to replacing the whole aerial including the cable and if so, how difficult is it?

I'd rather not spend money on a new stereo if a new aerial is cheaper and easier to replace.

I did ask my step son about it and his answer was "we just put a radio app on our phones and linked it by Bluetooth" which seems counterintuitive and drains the phone battery unnecessarily. It also means that it had the same issue when they bought the car a year ago.

Any help is gratefully received.

Gee

[Maarten]

This cable runs over the headliner and is attached to the roof.
The aerial itself has a big nut to hold it in place, I thought M14.
I would lead a new wire through the A pillar towards the rear, and replace the current aerial

It is not that difficult, you do not have to remove the complete headliner, just undo the trim from the C pillars and the trim going from left to the right.
Pay attention not to pull down hard on the headliner, it can be brittle or create folds in it.
When remounting, look closely at the nut, it has an opening for the wires going to the aerial, do not get them twisted or they will fail.
Tighten well, or else there will be waterleakkage.

Good luck

[Geeman]

Thank you for the advice. I shall make an attempt at that and maybe take some photos as I go along.

All the best

[Maarten]

You're welcome, good luck!